Students and Faculty Help Local Organizations on Annual Service Day

Students and faculty served more than 20 organizations across Monmouth County in the school’s annual Service Day on April 3. Students from Sisters Academy in Asbury Park came to Trinity Hall for a STEM workshop run by several Trinity Hall students and faculty, while most students and faculty traveled to the following locations to help in a variety of ways: The Arc of Monmouth (Long Branch), Barn for the Poorest of the Poor (Middletown), Family Promise (Oceanport), Fort Monmouth Recreation Center (Tinton Falls), Fulfill (Neptune), HABcore (Red Bank), Harbor School (Eatontown), Head Start (Red Bank), LADACIN (Wanamassa), Lunch Break (Red Bank), Madonna House (Neptune City), Mary’s Place by the Sea (Ocean Grove), Meals on Wheels (Asbury Park), Missionaries of Charity (Asbury Park), Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (Asbury Park), Prime Time (Eatontown), Red Banks Primary School (Red Bank), Ronald McDonald House (Long Branch), Search Day School (Ocean Twp.), St. Anselm (Tinton Falls) and St. Peter’s Center (Asbury Park).

Although they served in a variety of locations, students agreed that the day was rewarding because they were able to impact those who need it most.

“I love Service Day and always use it as an eye opener experience! This year at Ronald McDonald house, although we just cleaned, I know our help went a long way and it enabled the girls and I to get a better understanding of a ‘behind the scenes’ into the lives of families with sick children in the hospital.” -Junior Olivia Almeida (Photo courtesy of Suzy Almeida)

“At LADACIN we helped women with special needs feel beautiful by doing their hair, nails, and makeup. It was so inspiring to see how happy we could make others feel with such a simple task; I really valued my time there and hope to go back soon.” -Sophomore Leighton Van Wagner (Photo courtesy of LADACIN Network Facebook page)

“I was part of the team that held a workshop for students of Sisters Academy, and we taught the girls about engineering and how to make motorized-drawing-robots. It made me so happy to see that by the end of the lesson, every girl was as excited as I was about her project. What really struck, though, was the fact that I was able to serve while still doing something I enjoy. When you want to serve, you don’t have to look farther than what you already like to do, as your talents and passions can be used to serve others,” -Sophomore Lucy Retterer (Photo courtesy of Clint Gibson)

“It was a really fulfilling experience, and I’m so grateful to have met both the people I worked with inside of the kitchen and the people I served food to.” -Sophomore Gabby Sorrentino (Photo courtesy of Jimmy Hemphill)

“When I first learned about Mary’s Place by the Sea, I only knew that it was a rehabilitation center. Even though I don’t live there, I felt like I was at home. All the women were happy, smiling and laughing, and overall it was extremely uplifting. Volunteering there showed me the great impact community can have on a person.” -Sophomore Ally Lawson (Photo courtesy of Jimmy Hemphill)

“Red Bank Primary was an amazing experience. The teachers and students were so inviting and friendly. We were so excited to help out and they made us feel a part of each project, which made for an unforgettable service day.” -Senior Grace Kenney

“Family Promise allows people to get back on their feet. It is a motivational starter for families with children who have endured tough situations. Helping Family Promise get ready for their big opening allowed us to be the super heroes behind the scenes. Our contribution was greatly appreciated and allowed Trinity Hall’s warmth stretch to a new and upcoming community.” -Junior Sydney Riepl